Idea for better Attracivity of a Table Tennis Match

Table Tennis Discussion

Last updated 1 week ago

Marcin Lonak Asked 2 weeks ago

Hello Alois and Jeff,

I wonder how my idea would work in terms of raising attractivity of table tennis.

I watched recently some old games and what was interessting, the players seem to serve way earlier. They dont wait ages like today. Also very annoying to me all this handwiping on table, clearly 90% of times not the wet hand is the issue... Im also not a fan of the habitat of loudly celebrating every point, like in case of Harimoto, but its just my opinion.I think, for a newbe to table tennis its not atractive at all and quite annoying. It reminds of issues like tourette syndrom.

With a change of one unwritten rule the game could get much more attractive and wouldnt take ages.

The idea is allowing the server, no matter what, to serve, even when the opponent is not ready. The reciever has to manage himself get in time to the ready position.

Actually Jan Ove Waldner would, back in the days, shorten the time between serves sometimes to mess up the timing of the opponent quite succesfully.

A bit softer version of my proposition involves for example 3 small brake offs player could take per game. it would be indicated as usual today with raised hand.

Also a Video check opportunity say 3 times per game again, for example for a uncorrect serve the reciever could ask for. I imagine some serves made in hurry being quite incorrect.

Alois Rosario Answered 1 week ago

Hi Marcin,

I think you have some good ideas there.

Some of it would only apply for International matches where they have video available.

At the moment players can take 1 Time Out of 1 minute. Would you think 3 shorter breaks would be better?

Thoughts on this question

Marcin Lonak Posted 1 week ago

Of course the video checking would be on the International matches. On the lower level you already have tons of tose dirty tricks;)

To the Brakes. I think Both, the Timeout and 3 short ones extra. In my opinion Timeout is a very important part of the game on the high level.

I have the fortune to speak German language, an found a goldmine in TT wisdom in the BundesligaTV (TTBL TV). Very often Richard Prause is commentating the Games. He even guesses very often the right Timeout moment. He’s commentating is a Goldmine in learning tactics in my opinion. Table Tennis wisdom paired with eloquence.

There some great comentaitings on IttV where he is the cocomentator of Adam Bobrow in English.

Marcin Lonak Posted 1 week ago

Of course not „of“. I mean „together with“

Marcin Lonak Posted 1 week ago

Please, if there is someone who knows what games were commentated by the two, i would like to know. Bobrow fast talking is just right for the speed of this game. He also very fast analyses what happens during a point. Richard then goes a layer or two deeper on some issues. They are the best Commentator team ever.